Collin Raye Concert!

If you know me very well, you know I am quite the Collin Raye fan! I fell in love with his music 13 years ago when my best friend, Tammie introduced his music to me. I have seen him in concert probably every year he came to Utah and Idaho and have never been on the front row. Once I even got to meet him! This year, he was one of the performers after the WBR Rodeo in Idaho Falls and that night became one of my most favorite summer memories of 2008. I was very excited to get tickets because the concert was going to be General Admission. For weeks, I plotted with Rich on a plan of how we could get on the front row. Being the awesome hubby that he is, he went along with my plotting and was patient with my ideas. Before we knew it, the rodeo/concert was here! We watched the rodeo but I wasn't really into it. I was so caught up in our plan of attack. Right before the rodeo was over, we left our seats as planned and walked to the spot where we thought the grounds crew would let in the concert-goers. We got there just in the nick of time cuz they were just about to open the gates! We were 2nd in line. My heart pounded hard and I couldn't keep still. We waited as patiently as we could until the gates opened. Finally, the gates opened and I took off across the dirt, sprinting like a rodeo clown running from a bull, screaming all the way. Now, you must know I was wearing my favorite chunky brown boots. These suckers are tall and chunky and make not only walking difficult but also running. As I ran across the dirt towards the stage, thoughts of spraining my ankle ran across my mind, but I didn't care. I was determined to be in the front row. I lost Rich in all of the commotion but, we met back up IN THE FRONT ROW! We made it! I jumped up and down, screaming like a little girl on Christmas morning. I hugged Rich...he is the best hubby. What other hubby in the world would run across dirt for his girls' fave singer?
The concert began and the night got better and better. First, Collin glanced at me and smiled. And, I caught it on film! YIPPEE!

He also shook my hand! I know the shot isn't that great, but it was so quick and Rich did his very best! But, that is my hand and my curly hair!



The best part of the concert was the end. One of Collin's traditions is to take clean towels and dry the sweat from his head. Then, he throws the towel into the screaming audience to some lucky fan. Collin continued his tradition that night and proceeded to dry his sweaty head. Meanwhile, I was screaming like a maniac, holding my hand out letting him know that I wanted the towel. He came right up to me and handed ME ME ME the "Sweaty Towel!" I screamed and screamed and jumped up and down like that little girl again! I immediately wrapped it around my neck and felt so proud.

Ok, so you're probably thinking I am a lunatic or some sort of sick and twisted groupie or something. But, let me assure you I am not. Collin's music has got me through some very tough times in my life as well as all of the wonderful times. When Rich and I were dating. Rich surprised me with tickets to his concert in Preston, Idaho. I will never forget that night. Several of Collin's music has become the soundtrack to mine and Rich's' life together. Collin represents anything that is good. His music is very inspiring and uplifting.
Tonight, we get to see him again! He is coming to Rexburg for a charity event. It's General Admission again and the doors open at 6pm. You better believe that Rich and I are going to try to get front row again. Cameras are not allowed there tonight so I won't be able to have pics, but I will try to update you anyhow.